Toledoan found guilty of assault on 2 officers

A 19-year-old Toledo man, who said he was starting a college-level criminal justice program, was found guilty yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court of assaulting two Toledo police officers.

Justin Sherman, of 3628 East Point Drive, pleaded no contest to two counts of assault. Because the victims were police officers, he could face up to three years in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 28 by Judge James Bates.

Sherman is accused of nearly hitting a car on Hill Avenue near Richards Road on Aug. 2. At a stoplight, the two men who were in the car, approached Sherman and identified themselves as police officers. They were off duty at the time.

The defendant became upset and informed them that he wasn t going to go to jail, county Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nargas said. He added that with separate blows, Sherman hit both officers in the face.

Sherman was arrested at the scene. As part of the agreement, it will be recommended that Sherman be sentenced to community control.